How to send a STEP file to a client who has no CAD

To send a STEP file to a client who has no CAD software, upload it to MeshMarkup and send them a review link instead of the file. The link opens the part in any web browser, on a computer or a phone, and your client can turn it, zoom in and click the exact spot they want to talk about. They don't need an account, a CAD licence or anything to install.

#Why the .step file alone doesn't work

A STEP file is the standard way to hand a 3D part from one CAD program to another. That's the problem: it assumes the person receiving it has a CAD program. Most clients, buyers, managers and marketing teams don't, so the file you send often ends in one of these:

• "I can't open this." Most computers have no program that opens STEP files, so it shows up as an unknown file type.
• A screenshot instead. You end up sending a few rendered views, and the client comments on angles you happened to pick.
• A free viewer download. The client installs something just to look at your part, once, and still has no way to point at what they mean.
• Feedback with no location. "The hole on the side should be bigger." Which hole? Which side?

A link they open in the browser fixes all four, and it keeps every comment attached to a point on the part.

#Send a STEP as a review link

1. 1

   Export a STEP from your CAD program

   Save the part or assembly as STEP AP214 or AP242. Both keep part names and colours. See how to export STEP from SolidWorks, Fusion and Onshape.

2. 2

   Upload it to MeshMarkup

   Drop the .step or .stp file on your Models page. It's converted in your browser and opens at its true size, with the assembly's part names.

3. 3

   Add your own notes first (optional)

   Click the spots you want the client to look at and write what you're asking: "Is this clearance enough?", "Fillet or chamfer here?". They'll see your notes pinned on the part.

4. 4

   Click Share and copy the link

   Choose Copy a review link and paste it into your email or chat, or let MeshMarkup email it for you. See email a review link.

5. 5

   Your client clicks to comment

   They open the link, turn the part, and click the exact spot they want changed. Each note keeps the angle they were looking from, so you see exactly what they saw.

#What your client sees

• The real 3D part, not a picture of it: they can turn it, zoom into any detail and measure distances.
• Your notes, if you added any, as numbered pins on the model.
• A plain way to answer: click the part, type, done. Their name is all they're asked for.

You can try the client's side yourself on the sample review, or with your own model using See as client on the model page.

#When you should send the STEP file itself

A link is for looking and commenting. Send the actual file when the other person will build from it or edit it:

• A machine shop or manufacturer quoting or making the part needs the STEP (see STEP vs STL vs IGES).
• Another engineer who will modify the design in their own CAD.
• A 3D printing service, which usually wants STL or 3MF.

Often the right answer is both: the link for the review, and the STEP once the design is approved.

#If someone sent you a STEP file

Open it in the free STEP viewer: no account, nothing uploaded. If you have comments, click Try adding a note, pin them on the part, and use Send my notes back to send them to whoever sent you the file. They get a link to the model with your notes on it.

#Common questions

• Does the client see my CAD features or history? No. They see the shape, part names and colours. Sketches, features and dimensions aren't in a STEP file's 3D view.
• Is the size right? Yes. STEP carries real units, and the part opens at its true size, so the measure tool reads correctly.
• Can I send a big assembly? Yes, within your plan's storage. For very large assemblies, leave out fasteners and internal parts the client doesn't need to see. See reduce file size.